BRIGHTLINE HIGHLIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PROGRAM AS USDOT GRANT ENHANCEMENTS ADVANCE

Miami, FL (June 17, 2026) — Today, Brightline announced significant progress across its three-pillar safety program — education, enforcement, and engineering — with a particular focus on the safety enhancements now underway corridor wide made possible by a federal USDOT grant. These enhancements represent one of the most substantial safety investments along the Florida rail corridor – totaling $45 million.

 

Brightline has been a rail industry leader on safety initiatives with long-term, continuous efforts resulting in a 30% decrease in incidents year-over-year in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to the same time period in 2025.

 

Brightline’s safety strategy is built on a layered approach:

• Education campaigns that reach schools, community groups, and corridor adjacent neighborhoods with rail safety messaging.
• Enforcement partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to deter unsafe behavior around tracks and crossings.
• Engineering enhancements that strengthen crossings and reduce risk at the source.

While all three pillars remain essential, engineering work made possible by the USDOT grant is delivering the most visible and immediate impact. Brightline will contribute $10 million to the $45 million enhancement project, which includes safety enhancements, like fencing, additional delineators, railroad dynamic envelope striping, or improved signage at 327 grade crossings along Brightline’s 195-mile corridor between Miami and Cocoa, Fla. These enhancements are designed to reduce trespassing, discourage risky behavior, contributing to a safer environment for both rail passengers and surrounding communities. As of today, improvements at more than 50% of crossings have been completed.

 

“This grant is enabling us to complete safety improvements that support the communities we serve,” said Patrick Goddard, CEO, Brightline Florida. “These enhancements to the corridor — combined with our education and enforcement efforts — reflect our commitment to continually prioritizing safety and preventing avoidable incidents.”

 

Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink underscored the federal government’s support for corridor-wide safety initiatives, noting:

 

“Under Secretary Duffy, USDOT is moving at the Speed of Trump to deliver resources needed to modernize railroad crossings and protect Americans in their local communities. The previous administration sat on these critical dollars for years keeping our transportation infrastructure stuck in the past. This Administration is laser focused on building safer, more reliable networks that move American families safely and efficiently,” said Fink.

 

The project is being delivered in coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, and local municipalities. Construction activities are underway and will continue in phases to minimize community disruption while maximizing safety benefits as quickly as possible.

 

Brightline will continue to expand its education outreach, increase enforcement partnerships, and advance engineering upgrades as part of its long-term commitment to safety across the entire corridor.

 

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ABOUT BRIGHTLINE

Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The company offers a hospitality-centric experience designed to reinvent train travel at a comparable price to driving or flying. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies, one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company and one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast by Inc. The company focuses on city pairs that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Construction is currently underway to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit  www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ashley Blasewitz, Brightline, ashley.blasewitz@gobrightline.com

Michael Hicks, Brightline, mhicks@bltrain.com